The Team
Staff
Director of Education
David Connolly
David is the Associate Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, Director of Education for their Youth Academy, and proud Co-Chair of their EDI Committee. He is also an active Disability and Inclusion Advocate who is deeply committed to changing the statistic of being the only male amputee to have performed on Broadway. He is a recipient of The Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence and active member on the DEI Committee of the International Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance. For the past four years, David has curated and moderated a Disability Inclusion Panel at BroadwayCon in New York City and has proudly served as a peer assessor for The Canada Council for the Arts.
As an Educator, David has been an Adjunct Professor and Advisor to the Musical Theatre Performance Programs at Western University, Wilfrid Laurier University, Sheridan College, Randolph College, VanderCook College and most recently, the Hopkins Centre for the Arts at Dartmouth College.
Marketing & Development Associate
Christian Rose
Christian was born and raised in Waterloo, just down the street from the St. Jacobs Playhouse. After getting enrolled in guitar lessons at age 10, to follow in his brothers’ footsteps, he quickly developed what would become a lifelong passion for the arts. With a love for performing, Christian took every opportunity he could to get on stage as he grew up, including playing in the band for WCI’s renditions of FAME and Footloose. He directed several variety shows through high school, and it has always been his goal to get others involved with the arts and the community he loves.
Arts Administrator Assistant
Hanna Freitas
Hanna Freitas began working with Drayton Entertainment at the beginning of 2022 and has had a wonderful time watching the Youth Academy grow since it first opened its doors. Hanna is currently studying English and Theatre at the University of Waterloo and hopes to pursue a career in arts education upon completing her degree. She has been a theatre enthusiast ever since she saw her first show at the St Jacobs Country Playhouse and has been participating in productions both on stage and off ever since. Hanna is incredibly excited to be able to help share the benefits of arts programming with students as part of the Youth Academy.
Administrative Intern
Simon Zenker
Simon is very excited to become part of Drayton Entertainment’s Youth Academy. As a performer who specializes in juggling and stunt shows for families and children, encouraging youth through the arts is something he takes great pride in. Simon is currently studying for a bachelor of Digital Communications at Humber College and is spending his co-op with the Academy. If you see Simon around, be sure to say hello and he may even show you a trick or two.
Summer Camp Instructors
Emma Reynolds
Emma Reynolds (she/her) is a Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy Alumni entering her fourth year of the Musical Theatre degree program at Sheridan College. She is a triple threat artist and multi-instrumentalist. Theatre credits include: Campbell in Bring It On, Urleen in Footloose (GBMTC), Annie, Olivier, Peter Pan: The Panto, Snow White: The Panto, Aladdin: The Panto, Cinderella: The Panto, and Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment). When Emma is not performing you can find her spending time with her family, going on walks around her hometown and playing her guitar! Emma enjoys spreading kindness, positivity and loves to inspire young artist to follow their dreams and fall in love with musical theatre!
Kaleigh Murphy
Kaleigh Murphy (she/they) is a performer, choreographer, and creator originally from Waterloo, ON, and currently based in Toronto, ON. They are a proud graduate of Sheridan College’s Music Theatre Performance Program. Some performance credits include Pinkalicious in Pinkalicious: The Musical (TYT Theatre), Berthe in Pippin (Theatre Sheridan), Clementine in Almost a Full Moon (CMTP Festival), and creating and starring in their first dance short film Collide produced by Unwrap Theatre.
Kaleigh got her start in musical theatre with Drayton Entertainment, participating in four shows as a children’s chorus member, and being a part of the inaugural year of the Youth Academy. She would not be where she is today without all that she learned through her opportunities at Drayton and she is so ecstatic to now be a part of that experience for the region’s incredibly talented youth!
Leah Grandmont
Leah is an actor/musician based in London, ON. She began playing fiddle at the ripe young age of three. She studied classical performance at Wilfrid Laurier University, and has performed with several orchestras around the country, including the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in their tours of Canada, Germany, and Scotland. She is a musical theatre LOVER, and has worked as an actor/musician for various Canadian theatre companies, including Drayton Entertainment, The Grand Theatre, Catalyst Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia. In addition to classical music and theatre, Leah enjoys playing with pop and rock groups. She has performed with Stacey Kay on America’s Got Talent, and on the CCMAs with winner of Canada’s Drag Race, Priyanka, and Lindsay El. As an educator, Leah has been teaching group and private violin for over ten years, and enjoys working with youth theatre groups at Studio 410 and Drayton Entertainment.
Madison Lane
Madison was born and grew up in London Ontario where she trained for 11 years in many styles of dance, including ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary. She then went on to be a dance instructor and has been teaching and choreographing for the last 8 years, sharing her passion for dance with her students. Madison has also choreographed Jr. musicals including The Wizard of Oz and High School Musical for elementary schools. She loves seeing all the hard work and dedication come to life on stage!
Madison Sekulin
Maddie is a passionate and dedicated Toronto-based artist, where she graduated from the Randolph College for Performing Arts. Since graduating she has performed in Hart House Theatre’s productions of Heathers and Carrie. As well as Statistics at the Toronto Fringe. Maddie has enjoyed participating in multiple workshops of new musicals across the city and dreams of originating a role. Growing up in the Waterloo Region she was lucky to take part in Drayton Entertainment’s productions of Annie and The Wizard of Oz which solidified her decision to pursue performance professionally. Maddie loves learning and has never stopped investing in the opportunity to have fun while growing and expanding her skills. Maddie continues to be inspired by her mentors and teachers and strives to give her students the same experience.
Shane O’Regan
Shane O’Regan (he/him) is a Pianist/Musical Director/Instructor based in Toronto. Originally from Halifax, NS, Shane studied piano with Oksana Zotova at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts. He is a graduate of both the Randolph College for the Performing Arts and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s MA Musical Theatre Performance program. Recent work includes All Messed Up & Nowhere to Go, Chaos Menu: Disorder Up! (The Second City), Let’s Dance! (Terra Bruce Productions) The Rocky Horror Show (St. Lawrence College) The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito, Lig & Bittle (Carousel Players), The Hobbit, The Last Five Years (RBC Chrysalis Project Participant – Neptune Theatre) We Will Rock You (Starvox Entertainment), and three seasons at the Stephenville Theatre Festival.
Will Parry
Will Parry (he/they) is a music theatre performer and proud member of the CAEA based in Toronto. Some of his performance credits include Toto in Wizard of Oz: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment), Here I Am: A Cabaret (Self-Produced), Illusionarium (Starvox Entertainment), Scuttle in The Little Mermaid, Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone, Kevin in Going Under (SLC Stage). Will is a graduate of St. Lawrence College’s Music Theatre Performance program. They are passionate about bringing joy and leading with kindness in everything they do. Will is honoured to be a part of the faculty at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. Follow along with Will’s shenanigans @willxparry, and check out www.will-parry.com
Triple Threat Intensive Workshop Leaders
Anisa Tejpar
Anisa Tejpar (she/her), a Dora Mavor Moore Award winner, hails from Toronto and is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School. She has showcased her talent in performances of various choreographers including Guillaume Côté, Matjash Mrozewski, John Neumeier, Ginette Laurin, Mauro Astolfi, Peggy Baker, Robert Derosiers, Robert Glumbek, Roberto Campanella, D.A. Hoskins, James Kudelka, Christopher House, Hanna Kiel, and William Yong. Anisa has performed with esteemed dance companies such as Toronto Dance Theatre, Zata Omm, ProArteDanza, Against the Grain Theatre, and Human Body Expression.
Anisa is recognized as an Intimacy Coordinator and Director, with a particular focus on dance and dancers. She has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as The National Ballet of Canada, Ballet BC, and various film and television productions. Furthermore, Anisa serves on the Board of Directors for Canada’s National Ballet School as well as their Foundation Board. She has also made significant contributions to Dancing with Parkinson’s, where she has served as a choreographer and director for their Intergenerational Dance Project, which aims to connect youth and seniors through dance.
George Absi
George has been a professional dancer and choreographer for over 15 years. He was born and raised in Ottawa, ON where he trained in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and Contemporary including A.D.A.P.T and R.A.D. He has danced for PSY, Deborah Cox, Kreesha Turner, Fefe Dobson, Aleesia and Classified, to name a few. George has appeared on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas, Once Upon A Time, Handmaid’s Tale, Shitt’s Creek, Breakfast Television, Threads, and most recently appeared on PBS Kids, “Let’s Go Luna” as “Hakim” a principal role. Theatre credits include: Beauty and the Beast, Neptune; Mamma Mia! (Dance Captain/ Asst Choreographer) Aquarius/ WCT; Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert (Canadian Premiere – Jimmy ), Sleeping Beauty, The Panto, Newsies (Buttons), Kinky Boots (Canadian Premiere – Angel/ Dance Captain) Drayton Entertainment. George landed the role of assistant choreographer in the upcoming motion picture “Slumberland” starring Jason Mamoa and was assistant choreographer for the brand-new show “Ukulele U” on CBC focussing on children’s learning and diversity.
Hailey Lewis
Hailey Lewis (she/her) is an Afro-Canadian triple-threat artist and graduate of the Music Theatre degree program at Sheridan College. Select Theatre credits include: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Mirvish); Alice in Winterland Virtual Panto (Ross Petty Productions); Hairspray (Drayton Entertainment & Theatre Aquarius); Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival); Mary Poppins (YPT); Shrek: The Musical (Globe Theatre); Grease (Irregular Entertainment); Prom Queen (Segal Centre). Select TV/Film credits include: The Boys (Amazon); Zombies (Disney); American Gods (Freemantel). Hailey is currently a “Standby Slayer” and dance captain for Mirvish’s production of Six: The Musical, while also teaching the first- and second-year Music Theatre Styles dance course at Sheridan. When not performing, you can find Hailey cuddling her dog Rigley, getting lost in a good book, facetiming her friends, spending time with her family (especially her mama) and eating lots of chips! As always: many thanks to her agency, her friends and most importantly her family for their on-going support and love. @haileyalexislewis
Julia McLellan
Julia McLellan is a Canadian theatre performer currently in SIX the musical at Mirvish productions, alternating the roles of Jane Seymour, Katherine Howard, and Anne Boleyn. She has performed on stages across North America, including three companies of the Tony award winning hit Kinky Boots- at Mirvish, on the 1st national tour, and on Broadway. She has lead companies on some of Canada’s most prestigious stages, starring as Val Clark in The Stratford Festival’s A Chorus Line, originating the role of Persephone in the North American premiere of Mythic, and alternating the role of Dorothy Gale in the North American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz.
Her stage career intertwines with her climate activism, as she is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Green Alliance, the national not-for-profit dedicated to bridging the gap between theatre and sustainability.
Kae Kae Lee
Malyssa Kae Lee (better known as “Kae Kae” Lee) discovered her passion for dance at just 7 years old, eventually joining Performing Dance Arts in Vaughan, training extensively in Jazz, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Tap and Hip Hop.
Kae Kae’s talents began to take her across the world, taking on unique roles in various shows, such as Royal Caribbean’s Aqua production “The Fine Line”, Emmy award-winning Debra Brown’s “Brace Yourself” and Family channel’s “Big Ticket Summer Tour”. She has worked alongside artists such as Emeli Sande, Aloe Blacc, Natalie Imbruglia, Dave Stewart, and James Blunt, whilst touring with “Art on Ice” Switzerland, a show choreographed by Sean Cheesman.
Some of Kae Kae’s TV and film roles include Disney’s “Zombies 3” and “Spin”. Fox’s “What We Do In The Shadows”, Lifetime’s “A Christmas Dance”, CBC’s “Frankie Drake Mysteries”, and Family Channel’s “The Next Step”, as well as the music videos for artists including Rupaul’s Drag Race star, Priyanka, Liz Lokre, and Jade Eagleson. Kae Kae branched out into musical theatre appearing in Rock of ages as Dance Captain at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre, and various roles for Drayton Entertainment
Nestor Lozano Jr
Nestor Lozano Jr is appearing as Tink in Wendy and Peter Pan and appears in Salesman in China during his second season at the Stratford Festival. Last year, he appeared there as Angel Dumott Schunard in Rent and Mrs. Whatsit in A Wrinkle in Time. Elsewhere: The Wizard in The Wizard of Oz: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Miss Understanding in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Stage West Calgary); Derrick in Peter Pan: The Panto (Neptune Theatre); Papa Ogre/Bear in Shrek The Musical (Globe Theatre). Training: Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance, Sheridan College; Wexford Performing Arts. Online: @nestorlozanojr.
Rachel Fairbanks
Rachel Fairbanks was most recently seen on Broadway in Lincoln Center Theatre’s Revival of Camelot (Dance Captain/Female Swing). Other Favorites include: Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust Road (Off-Broadway: York Theatre Company & World Premiere: Temple Theatre), Cinderella (U/S Ella/ Gabrielle – 1st National Tour), First Wives Club (Young Elise/Patton – Chicago Premiere) as well as many shows regionally with NSMT and PCLO. BFA Musical Theatre: Penn State University. Originally from Boston, Rachel lives in NYC with her husband where they run their small business: @sparkandedge. You can follow along for updates and upcoming projects @rachelgeorgea
Vanessa Sears
Raised in Deep River, Ontario, Vanessa Sears is a Dora Award, Toronto Theatre Critics Award, BroadwayWorld Award and Critic’s Pick Award winning artist. She has starred on stages across Canada and recently made her Broadway debut as an original cast member of the new musical ‘New York, New York’ – working alongside legendary artists John Kander, Susan Stroman, and Lin-Manuel Miranda to name a few. During her time in NYC Vanessa performed on The Tony Awards, at 54 Below, The Green Room 42 and Classic Stage Company in addition to singing at many concerts and benefits. Currently, she is starring in the Stratford Festival’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as Juliet, as well as playing Olivia in ‘Twelfth Night’. Vanessa’s previous acting credits include Mirvish, several seasons at the Shaw Festival, The Musical Stage Company, Soulpepper, Obsidian Theatre, Young People’s Theatre and more. Vanessa has also appeared in film and television on Suits, Sex/Life, Y The Last Man, and has starred in several movies like 14 Love Letters, Sappy Holiday and others. Next up, she will be making her Panto debut with Canadian Stage’s ‘Wizard of Oz’, causing chaos and mayhem as the Wicked Witch. Vanessa is also an emerging director, an educator, and serves on the board of the Canadian Green Alliance. Instagram @vanessa_sears
Former Workshop Leaders
Aaron Walpole
Aaron’s theatre credits include Les Miserables (Broadway/Toronto/Tour), Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway/Japan/ Stratford Festival), Kinky Boots (Tour/Japan), Camelot, Guys ’N Dolls, Anything Goes (Stratford Festival), Grease (Citadel Theatre), Rock of Ages (Drayton Ent., Mirvish and Mayfield), Rocky: The Musical, Man Of La Mancha, The Drowsy Chaperone, West Side Story, You’ll Get Used To It: The War Show (Drayton Ent.), Damn Yankees, One Hit Wonders, Sweet Charity (Stage West). Aaron has also appeared in many film and TV productions over the years and has a self-titled album through Sony/BMG Canada. Enjoy the show!
AJ Bridel
Drayton Entertainment (Select): Lauren in Kinky Boots, Sophie in Mamma Mia!, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan in Peter Pan: The Panto. Other Theatre (selected): Claire in Chris, Mrs., Sherrie Christian in Rock of Ages (More Ent.), Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival), leading roles in several Ross Petty Pantos, Lauren in Kinky Boots (Mirvish). Film/TV: Odd Squad (TVO Kids), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), Private Eyes (Global), Voice of Pipp Petals in My Little Pony (Netflix), Caillou (Peacock) Insta and tiktok @ajbridel
Andrea Macaset
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Andrea originated the role of Anne Boleyn in SIX on Broadway after appearing in the same role at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, The Citadel Theatre and The Ordway Center of Performing Arts. Andrea recently played Mimi in the Stratford Festival Production of Rent. She is a graduate from The Canadian College of Performing Arts whose other credits include Canadian productions of Heathers: The Musical, Avenue Q, Miss Saigon and Prairie Nurse. On TV and Film, you may recognize her from Propose We Never See Each Other… (Bed Bugs film); Ratatouille: The Musical (BCEFA); and Guest Performer appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Good Morning America, and the Today Show @andrea.cesyl.
Andrew Scanlon
Drayton Entertainment: Captain Hook in Peter Pan: The Panto, Barry Glickman in The Prom, Dusty in The War Show, The Padre in Man of La Mancha, Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, Kinky Boots, Rocky: The Musical, Out of Order, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, Snow White: The Panto, Footloose, Les Miserables. Other Theatre: Kinky Boots (Mirvish, First US National Tour, Tokyo & Osaka, Japan), Franklin Hart Jr. in 9 To 5 (Capitol Theatre), Vice Principal Panch in Spelling Bee (The Grand), The Beadle in Sweeney Todd (Neptune) Reginald in Screwball Comedy (Stage West, Calgary Critics Award Nomination), Leo in Dogbarked (The Globe), Director of Stealing Sam (Alberta Theatre Projects). Thanks to the TH gang, Alex, David and the entire Drayton Entertainment family.
Barbara Assiginaak
Composer, musician and educator Barbara Assiginaak is Anishinaabekwe (Odawa, Ojibwe and Potawatomi; Mnidoo Mnissing, Giniw dodem) is rooted in the oral/aural traditions of singing, drumming and the pipigwan/bbigon (cedar flute) since early childhood, during which time she also began learning about plant medicines passed down through the women in her family. The child and grandchild of residential school survivors, Barbara is also the direct descendant of hereditary chiefs who fought in the Indian Wars and in the War of 1812 and who also signed major treaties in Ontario. Barbara is also classically trained in piano (ARCT diploma), with a Bachelor of Composition degree from the University of Toronto, followed by studies at the Glenn Gould School (Composition, Piano Performance, Accompaniment and Chamber Music), at the Musikhochschule in München, Germany (Meisterklassen Diplom in Komposition, Aufbaustudium) and Centre Acanthes (France). She is currently Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Composition at the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University. She regularly performs her own songs and compositions with other musicians, and often as a soloist with leading orchestras and conductors.
Chris James
Chris James is a talented martial artist. He has trained in Muay Thai, Kali, Capoeira, Boxing, Judo, and is an instructor in Commando Krav Maga. Proficient in a number of edge weapons, short and long gun tactics & disarms, and unarmed combat, Chris has used his training in stunts, stage combat, and fight directing to choreograph action on stage and screen. Always looking to pay it forward, he also started an in-school stage combat workshop in 2019 for high school arts programs all across Ontario.
Always striving to create a unique aspect to each moment, he can reveal the truth behind any instance using any object or action.
Darren Burkett
Darren is so thrilled to be here at Drayton Youth Academy! As an actor himself, national/international credits include performing in Matilda (1st National Tour) and Angelina Ballerina (International Tour). He has also performed across Canada with such companies as The Ross Petty Panto, Stage West, Drayton Entertainment, Thousand Island Playhouse, Western Canada Theatre, The Arts Club Theatre, Chemainus Theatre Festival, and many more. Darren is the recipient of the Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Performance and an Ovation Award for Male Ensemble of the Year. Previous work as a choreographer/assistant choreographer include Legally Blonde (Mainstage Theatre), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Eclipse Theatre Company), Buddy (The Globe Theatre), Edges (Two Monkeys Productions), A Funny Thing Happened… and Guys and Dolls (Vancouver Lawyer Show), Eternal Hydra (Touchstone Theatre) and the motion picture Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He has also been a theatre and dance educator and has taught around the globe for the past 18 years.
Darryn de Souza
As the Music Director for the Canadian vocal supergroup, The Tenors, Darryn has shared the stage and worked with many legends: Paul Anka, David Foster, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Harry Connick Jr., Kenny G, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Stevie Wonder, to name just a few. He also has spent time with and performed for many world & creative leaders, including Barack & Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
As an educator, Darryn has pioneered vocal and theatre programs around the province including the Milton Youth Theatre Productions, the Studio School of Dance, Brampton Theatre School, Yellow Door Theatre, and Centre Stage Conservatory, pushing creative programming and a teaching method for student toolkit and confidence building.
Besides being a gifted communicator, Darryn connects and builds strong rapport with young artists looking to grow and understand how to improve their craft through meaningful and responsible mentorship.
Devan Ballagh
Devan co-directs Studio 410 Productions Inc., a not-for-profit that promotes engagement and education in the arts, as well as 410Method, a deep health transformation program. Her debut album “A Million Little Pieces” is available now. Devan was in Drayton Entertainment Fiddler on the Loose (2022), Canada 151, Sorry … I’m Canadian, Canadian Loonie. Other Theatre (selected): Christmas Jamboree, East Coast Kitchen Party (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia), Canada/US StepCrew Tour, The Ballaghs Canada/Europe Tour, The Crew (Various).
DJ Carroll
DJ Carroll is a director, performer, and magician with over 30 years’ experience in stage combat, improvisation, magic, juggling, special effects makeup and interactive comedy. For 24 of those years, DJ was a high school drama teacher and special education specialist with degrees in both Theatre and Education. He owns and operates the magic and entertainment company, Theatricks, and has led The Battle of Ontario Magicians, The Robin in the Hood Medieval Festival, as well as the Blythe and St Jacobs Harry Potter Festivals. He was the Shakespearean Teacher of the Year at the National Shakespeare Festival for 2010 and 2011, and is the proud recipient of a Waterloo Region Arts Award for Performing Arts.
Emily Nighman
Emily is a trained dancer, singer, and actress who grew up in Kitchener-Waterloo and is now based in Toronto. She is a feature writer and critic at The Film Magazine in the UK and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Cinema Studies at the University of Toronto. She has also recently held positions at the Film Music Foundation in LA, the Grand River Film Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival. Emily appeared as Beaver in Franklin & Friends (2009-2012), and select theatre credits include Seussical: The Musical, West Side Story, Anne of Green Gables, The Sound of Music, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is a senior and junior choreographer with KW Glee and is passionate about inspiring youth with a love of the arts. Thank you to David and everyone at Drayton for the opportunity to teach at the Youth Academy!
Eric DaCosta
Eric has been touring the world for the last four years in Hanna Moscovitch’s award-winning show, Old Stock. Previous credits include: Annie, Honk!, Snow White: the Panto, Peter Pan: the Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Key Change (Globe Theatre Regina); and Hollywood Hits (Stage West Calgary).
Hadley Mustakas
Drayton Entertainment: Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Kaylee in the Prom, Ali in Mamma Mia, Jane in Mary Poppins, and Wendy in Peter Pan. Other theatre: Sarah in Simone, Half and Half (Carousel Players), Liesl in The Sound of Music (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Sophie in Mamma Mia (Tweed & Company), and Ensemble in The Roaring Twenties (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia).
Hadley (she/her) has an Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance and a positive attitude! She likes to spread kindness, smiles, and sparkles! Hadley started dancing from a very young age and got her start in theatre through the youth opportunities with Drayton Entertainment. She is thrilled to encourage the magic of jazz hands in the inspiring generations to come.
Jackie Mustakas
Jackie began dancing at the age of three and started performing in musical theatre at the age of ten. She is an honours graduate of the Music Theatre Performance program at Sheridan College, and has been working professionally in the theatre business for 30 years. In 1998 she became a regular performer with Drayton Entertainment, and has continued to perform and choreograph for them until present. Selected theatre credits with Drayton are: Trish in Kinky Boots, Angie in The Prom, Donna and Tanya in Mamma Mia, Queen Diabolica in Snow White: The Panto, Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins, Miss Hannigan in Annie, The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Polly Baker in Crazy For You, Shelby in Steel Magnolias, Lizzie in The Rainmaker, and Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, just to name a few. Jackie has also been a dance instructor for several dance studios, as well as a guest drama teacher in schools across Ontario. She continues to perform and teach, and share her passion for the Arts.
Jodi McFadden
Jodi McFadden, originally from Kitchener, Ontario, has appeared on Broadway in Moulin Rouge!, The Band’s Visit and Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. Drayton audiences will remember her as Velma Kelly in Chicago as well as their productions of Little Me, Oklahoma!, Evita and Anything Goes. She spent four seasons at The Stratford Festival and can be seen on screen in Schmigadoon, Bollywood/ Hollywood and the Oscar-winning film, Chicago. @jodimcfadden
Jos Banks
Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots. A true renaissance man … Jos N. Banks is a multi-award-winning Visual/Performing Arts Artist, Costume Designer, Stylist & Teaching Artist hailing from Chicago, IL. International tours: Lola in Kinky Boots (US/Canada/China/Singagpore), Hud in HAIR (North America/Canada), Harpo in The Color Purple. Regional: Ms. Blakk For President, Choir Boy (Steppenwolf), Yale Dramatic Association, The Muny, Drury Lane – Oak Brook, Paramount Theatre, The Second City, About Face Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, and many more. Film/TV: Ocean in The Chi, Dr. Greg Martinson in Work in Progress (Showtime). Representation: Paonessa Talent Agency. www.FearlessJos.com // Follow Me: @JosNBanks
Justin Bott
Justin Bott is an award-winning stage, voiceover and film/tv/commercial actor. He’s also a proud dad of two kiddos, a husband, an acting/voiceover coach and an amateur barista!
Recent credits include Cult Hero (Collingwood Film Co), Emerge (TLN Media), Wizard of Oz: The Panto and On Golden Pond (Drayton Entertainment)…and a few commercials. @justin.bott.a.mic @jeybott www.justinbott.com
Lee Siegel
Lee Siegel performed on Broadway in Paradise Square, and previously as Simon Zealots in the Des McAnuff/Stratford Shakespeare Festival production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Lee recently played Tom Collins in Rent (Stratford Festival). Drayton audiences will remember Lee as Javert in Les Miserables, Mitch in Spelling Bee, John in Miss Saigon and Big Jule in Guys and Dolls. Other credits include Hawker in The WHO’s Tommy (Stratford Festival), Old Deuteronomy in Cats (Neptune Theatre), and Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Stage West Missisauga). Lee’s Debut Album: “Where’s The Orchestra” is available on iTunes, spotify, and CdBaby. com @Lee_Siegel
Natasha Strilchuk
Natasha Strilchuk was born in Malaysia, raised in King’s Lynn, England and Regina, SK and is now a Toronto-based artist. She is a graduate of Randolph College of the Performing Arts – Triple Threat program and is an accomplished, versatile artist and arts educator. Natasha most recently worked on the CBC kids television show, Ukulele U, as an Assistant Choreographer to Director/Choreographer David Connolly and prior to that, was the Assistant Director/Choreographer for a fully digital production of Going Under at St. Lawrence College’s Musical Theatre program in 2021. In 2020 Natasha was a participant for Neptune Theatre’s RBC Chrysalis Project, in the director’s unit and was mentored by AD Jeremy Webb in his production of Calendar Girls. Choreographer credits include: Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. (LOT). Selected Theatre Credits: The North American Premiere of Bend it like Beckham the Musical (Starvox Ent.), Chicago (Globe Theatre), Mamma Mia (Neptune Theatre), Guys & Dolls, Romeo & Juliet (Stratford Festival) Social: @natashakstrilchuk
Paige Ballagh
Paige co-directs Studio 410 Productions. She studied songwriting with Berklee College of Music. Find Paige’s solo album, songwriting courses and poetry book at www.paigeballagh.com. Paige was in Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Loose (2019/22), Canada 151: Better Late Than Sorry, Sorry … I’m Canadian, Canadian Loonie. Other theatre: Fiddler on the Moose, Christmas Jamboree, East Coast Kitchen Party (VPP); vocalist and pianist for The StepCrew, Summerfolk Discovery Artist, The Ballaghs Ireland Tour (2016); The Crew (www.thecrewcanada.com).
Paul Nolan
Originally from Rouleau, Saskatchewan, Paul is currently playing August in Water for Elephants on Broadway. For his Broadway performances, he’s been recognized by the Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards. His Broadway debut was as Jesus in the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, followed by Guy in the Tony Award-winning musical Once. Subsequent New York roles include Pasha/Strelnikov in Doctor Zhivago, Jervis in Daddy Long Legs, Jimmy Ray in Bright Star, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Tully in Escape to Margaritaville, Jim in Slave Play and Hugh Dorsey in Parade. Paul is a graduate of the Randolph College for Performing Arts who is an avid outdoorsman and huge hockey fan. @paulalexandernolan
Stacey Kay
Stacey Kay received the GOLDEN BUZZER on City TV’s new season of Canada’s Got Talent, receiving a standing ovation from Simon Cowell! She is a Juno Award winning singer/rapper, and her song covers have received recognition from the original artists including BeBe Rexha, RuPaul, Meghan Trainor, Fergie, and Jennifer Hudson. Her unique and powerful singing voice paired with her machine-gun rapping has garnered her online videos millions of views with multiple videos going viral!
Check out her CGT performance here!
Stacey is a motivational speaker who travels the world spreading her message about body positivity, and what it is like being a curvy girl in the pop music industry. She has performed with/opened for David Foster, CeeLo Green, Stevie Wonder, Leslie Odom Jr., Bryan McKnight, Michael Bolton, and Carly Rae Jepson.
In 2020, Stacey became the song writer, producer and vocalist for Canada’s Drag Race host Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Canada’s Drag Race winner Priyanka. Stacey’s songs were featured on Drag Race Canada Season 2.
Stacey has a full-length album titled 11 O’Clock Number, and a comedic podcast with her sister called I Have To Call My Sister. Follow Stacey on all social media platforms to see what happens next! Insta: @staceykaymusic
Stephanie Pitsiladis
Stephanie made her professional debut in the Mirvish production of Hairspray in 2004 where she was the first Canadian to perform the role of Tracy Turnblad. She has revisited the role across the country multiple times with the Charlottetown Festival, Drayton Entertainment, Rainbow Stage, and Mayfield Theatres.
Stephanie also founded and ran a successful semi-professional theatre program from 2007 – 2011 and coached the Laval Liberty Improv team which competed in the Canadian Improv Games.
Other credits include: Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, Man of La Mancha, Steel Magnolias, Snow White: The Panto, Aladdin: The Panto, The Gefilte Fish Chronicles, The Importance of Being Earnest, History of Rock and Roll: Stars and Stripes, Class of ’63: A Rockin’ Reunion, My Fair Lady, The Christmas Express and Kinky Boots.
Steve Lavoie
Drayton Entertainment: Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Canada 151, Hairspray. Other Theatre (selected): Ghost the Musical (Starvox), Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius), Evita, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Man of La Mancha, Damn Yankees, Spamalot, Sweeney Todd, The Who’s Tommy (Scarborough Music Theatre), Les Misérables, Ragtime (Etobicoke Musical Productions). In addition to music directing, Steve is an audition and rehearsal accompanist in and around the GTA. Find him online on YouTube or visit theaccidentalaccompanist.com.
Trayvon Ward
Trayvon Ward has a passion for assisting people in accomplishing their wellness objectives. They have previously worked as a coach and instructor at Anytime Fitness and Playground Movement Training Centre, NLC Dance Company and more. Trayvon has experience conducting group classes of varying sizes that concentrate on building self-esteem along with strength, endurance, flexibility, mobility and more.
Drayton Entertainment audiences will recognize Trayvon from his appearances in Mamma Mia!, The Prom, Kinky Boots and Peter Pan: The Panto.
According to Trayvon, exercising should always be fun and promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle that promotes all-round well-being. In these SHOW TUNES Wellness classes, Trayvon will offer personalized attention and guidance to musical theatre lovers by integrating a wide variety of exercises and techniques to maintain a fun and challenging atmosphere while ensuring that classes are accessible and FUN for everyone of all experience levels.
Wes Barnes
Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots. Other Theatre: Mean Girls (Princess of Wales Theatre, Broadway First National Tour), Jesus Christ Superstar (50th Anniversary Tour), The Tap Dance Kid, 42nd Street, In the Heights, Newsies, The Scottsboro Boys, Godspell, Sophisticated Ladies, Choir Boy. In addition to performing, Wesley is equally passionate about mentoring performing artists and curating talent; so much so, he has founded an organization called The MPACT Group, which will do just that! Jer 29:11. For more info, follow on Instagram: @Wesjbarnes @thempactgroup